Top Mechanics For Shock Absorber Replacement & Repairs
51 Reviews
Garage in Hayes , 43 years of experience
On the floor under cars all my life, no job I have seen or undertaken that has ever defeated me, Ramps these days make life easier but still happy to roll on the floor in the grease and oil. Keeping yo...
TONY • 6th December 2024
Garage in Hilton, 22 years of experience
We are a well established family run RAC and Eurorepar approved garage in Hilton Derbyshire.
4 Reviews
Garage in Andover, 10 years of experience
HLX Performance, based in Andover in Hampshire, is your one-stop shop for automotive service and performance enhancement. We are fully mobile and bring our expertise directly to you, offering a comprehensive...
OLESJA • 4th December 2024
Mercedes-Benz E-Class • Suspension airbag replacement - rear (driver side)
31 Reviews
Garage in Scunthorpe, 10 years of experience
I have been around cars since being little, I have 10+ years experience in fixing all different types of cars. I’m offering mobile appointments at a time and place that suits you. I’m honest and will always ...
DANNY • 3rd December 2024
22 Reviews
Mobile mechanic in Aldershot , 8 years of experience
Rapid Auto Services Ltd provides comprehensive automotive repair and maintenance solutions. Their expert mechanics offer services including routine oil changes, brake repairs, engine diagnostics, transmiss...
521 Reviews
Garage in London, 15 years of experience
I have been interested in the car repair industry for almost my entire life. The first few years were spent learning the trade and I went to college to study it properly. I worked at a garage as a BMW specia...
STEVE • 27th November 2024
Vauxhall Vivaro • Additional work following previous booking
4 Reviews
Garage in Wimborne, 10 years of experience
4 Years - Family run Garage 2 Years - Jaguar Land Rover 2 Years - Mercedes-Benz commercial Garage 2 Years - Ford Mobile Technician
63 Reviews
Garage in Winchester, 12 years of experience
I started my career in HM Armed forces joining the REME, where I served for 7 years. From there I worked for Mercedes-Benz for 4 years. And now I do all sorts, if it’s got wheels, I can fix it!
KEVIN • 25th November 2024
Land Rover Range Rover Sport • Suspension airbag replacement - rear (passenger side)
78 Reviews
Garage in Didcot, 12 years of experience
Graduated from university at 2008 from engineering background. Been relating in motortrade for over 12 years in different roles. Have work as full time mechanic for different garages and the last 5 years...
38 Reviews
Garage in Gravesend , 20 years of experience
20 years experience in mechanical work with loads of qualifications work for bmw and Ford garage
DANIYAL • 18th November 2024
59 Reviews
Garage in Fareham, 12 years of experience
I am a qualified and experienced motor vehicle mechanic with over 12 years of experience with in-depth hands-on experience in all vehicle service repairs, and Engine Rebuilds for all European car models such...
91 Reviews
Garage in Birmingham, 5 years of experience
I have 5 years experience in my country and about 1 year in UK
MARK • 15th November 2024
290 Reviews
Garage in Doncaster, 15 years of experience
Having done my apprenticeship in an independent garage for 5 years then spending the Last year of the apprenticeship at Volkswagen and spent 7 years thereafter. Left VW for Peugeot then BMW for couple years....
8 Reviews
Garage in Stevenage, 20 years of experience
With a passion for automotive excellence and a drive for entrepreneurship, I went on to run and own an MOT test centre. Under my leadership, the MOT test centre flourished, known for its exceptional service ...
3 Reviews
Garage in Brighouse, 15 years of experience
At Central Garage Accident Repair Centre we operate with a highly experienced and passionate team with well over 40 years of service in the industry. You will find that we offer excellent customer service an...
ANDREW • 31st October 2024
Skoda Citigo • Additional work following previous booking
Frequently asked questions about shock absorber replacement & repairs
Read our answers to questions about shock absorber replacement costs, symptoms and more.
What does a Shock Absorber do?
The shock absorber is a component of the suspension system that evens out the irregularities of the road surface the car navigates. It is mounted on one side to the car's chassis or body and on the other to one of the wheel's wishbones.
Essentially, the shock absorber consists of a tube filled with gas or oil that is compressed by a piston. It essentially dissipates the kinetic energy generated by the road.
What does a shock absorber replacement involve?
- The mechanic will test drive the car to establish the possible cause of the problem.
- The mechanic will inspect the suspension system and shock absorbers in detail.
- If necessary, the mechanic will replace the worn or broken shock absorber.
- The mechanic will advise if other components need to be replaced.
- The mechanic will check the suspension again and test drive the car.
- If necessary, the mechanic will make adjustments.
Can you replace shock absorbers yourself?
Unless you are a qualified mechanic with the required skills, training and equipment to do the job, we strongly recommend a shock absorbers replacement is only carried out by a professional mechanic. ClickMechanic can help get you a vetted and local mechanic to carry out the work. Just enter your postcode and your car's registration number at the top of this page and select the work needed to get an instant fixed price up front.
How do I know if my shock absorbers are worn and need replacing?
- When the car bounces on excessively after driving over a hump or similar.
- When the car feels unstable going through corners or rough services.
- When the impact of navigating over humps is harder than normal.
- When there is a puddle of oil-like fluid underneath the car near a wheel.
- When the tyres lose touch with the ground after a shock absorption.
How long will a shock absorbers replacement take?
A front shock absorbers replacement on average takes around 2 hour, but can take anywhere from around 1.5 hours to 3 hours. A rear shock absorbers replacement takes on average 1 hour, but can range from under 1 hour to 2 hours. Ultimately, the time that the job will take will depend on a number of factors, like your vehicle's make and model, year, as well as other factors. Select your car at the top of this page for information on job time and cost for your vehicle through ClickMechanic.
How often should shock absorbers be replaced?
Always service the shock absorbers as and when stipulated in the guidelines set out by your car's manufacturer. Should you experience problems with a shock absorber then it is advisable to have the system inspected and, if necessary, have the bad shock absorber replaced.
What happens if you don't replace shock absorbers?
Over time, a shock absorber's condition can deteriorate due to the fact that it is in constant use when the car is driven. Eventually, it can be that fluid or gas starts to leak out of the shock absorber which can, for example, be due to a leaking valve inside. A bad shock absorber will cause an unstable ride, through corners.
Equally, it can be that the car rocks excessively when going over humps or when stopping the car, bouncing for a prolonged period after the actual shock absorption. Issues with the shock absorbers that are not addressed can lead to a variety of other, more expensive, issues; among which is excessive tyre wear. It is therefore important to address issues with the shock absorber timely and professionally to ensure an optimal ride and prevent further damage.
Can you drive a car with a broken shock absorber?
Driving with a broken shock absorber will mean that the vehicle is unable to absorb the shocks from the road as you drive which could furthermore cause damage to other components on the car. Furthermore it could lead to a loss of control of the vehicle as the vehicle will not handle as intended. If you experience any untoward characteristics in the handling of your vehicle, or if you suspect there is any issue with a shock absorber or there are concerns about its age or condition, book a diagnostic inspection with a professional mechanic immediately and do not drive the vehicle. A mechanic can check and advise on next steps.
What causes a shock absorber to fail?
Over time, the seals and components of a shock absorber can degrade, leading to fluid leaks and reduced performance. In some cases, a shock absorber can also become damaged due to a collision or other external forces.
Are shock absorbers checked during an MOT test?
Yes, shock absorbers along with the entire suspension system is checked during an annual MOT test.
If a shock absorber is found to no longer have adequate damping effect, the bush is excessively worn or is not attached securely then it will be categorised as a major fault, which means your vehicle will fail the MOT.
Is a leaking shock absorber an MOT failure?
A leaking shock absorber is not an MOT failure, but it is something that should be fixed as soon as possible. A leaking shock absorber can cause a rough ride and excessive noise from the suspension. Sometimes, if the leak is very obvious and severe, then there is a chance the vehicle could fail an MOT.
Do I need to replace all 4 shocks at once?
It is recommended to replace shock absorbers across the axle at the same time, so both shocks at the front or both at the rear of the vehicle. This will help ensure the vehicle's suspension system is evenly balanced. This will ensure that the vehicle rides smoothly and does not experience any uneven wear and tear.
Is it safe to drive with a leaking shock absorber?
It is not safe to drive with a leaking shock absorber. If the fluid leaks out, the shock absorber will not be able to dampen the movement of the suspension, which can lead to a loss of control of the vehicle. You should get it checked and replaced as soon as possible.
Is it dangerous to drive with bad struts?
Driving with bad struts can be dangerous as they provide support for the vehicle’s suspension and can affect the alignment of the wheels. This can lead to difficulty steering and increased braking distances.
Can I drive my car with bad shocks?
It is not recommended to drive a car with bad shocks, as they can cause a number of problems. Bad shocks can cause the car to bounce around on the road, making it difficult to control. They can also cause the tires to wear out prematurely and can cause the suspension to wear out as well. It is a safety hazard for the driver so it is recommended to get them replaced as soon as possible to avoid any further damage to the suspension system
Should you replace both front shock absorbers?
If the front shock absorbers are leaking or damaged, it is highly recommended that you replace both of them at the same time. This will help ensure that your vehicle's suspension system is evenly balanced.
How much does it cost to replace shock absorbers?
Cost for a front shock absorber replacement is on average £300, with pricing ranging from around £200 to £500. Rear shock absorber replacement costs varies from £150 to £400, with an average of £225. Ultimately, cost depends on your car and what parts your car's manufacturer recommends using for the replacement. Find out what you could save by having your shock absorber replaced by ClickMechanic by selecting your car at the top of this page!
Check out the ClickMechanic price for a shock absorber replacement. See the averages for different makes below. We consolidate industry standard data with millions of data points to give you the most accurate price. These estimates may include Front shock absorber, Rear shock absorber, Suspension airbag (driver side), Suspension airbag (passenger side), Suspension airbag (driver side) and/or Suspension airbag (passenger side).
Name | Average Cost | |
---|---|---|
Audi | £472 | Get exact price |
BMW | £480 | Get exact price |
Citroen | £387 | Get exact price |
Ford | £319 | Get exact price |
Land Rover | £622 | Get exact price |
Mercedes-Benz | £559 | Get exact price |
Nissan | £377 | Get exact price |
Peugeot | £365 | Get exact price |
Renault | £341 | Get exact price |
Toyota | £378 | Get exact price |
Vauxhall | £290 | Get exact price |
Volkswagen | £357 | Get exact price |
Estimates on average repair costs, such as the above results for a shock absorber replacement, are based on ClickMechanic's quote data which combines multiple third-party sources. Actual costs may vary. We provide estimates on average repair costs for information only and accept no liability for any inaccuracies or errors. If you think an estimate is incorrect, please contact us to let us know.
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Mechanics that undertake shock absorber work
- A49 Auto Engineering, Dinmore Herefordshire
- ACN Motors Ltd, Tmworth
- AJM Motors, Hitchin
- Carbon-Sol Engineering Ltd, Weedon
- City Mot Dobbs Street Limited, Wolverhampton
- Diamond MOT Centre, Langley Park
- Dimitar, Maidstone
- Fleetmax, Preston
- Howarth Autos, Aspull